Hey,
My name is Olivia and I am 17.. fairly new to this site but very glad that it exists. I am super anxious right now and really just finding myself wanting to give up so excuse the bad spelling or grammar! About 4 months ago I had a really bad ear infection. I had seen the family doctor about it (which took a lot of convincing as I am scared of the waiting room... you all know the drill...) many times. My ear was not getting better after a few weeks and my Mum told me that she was going to take me to the medical centre. To me, that is one really scary place with this phobia and everything. I wouldn't budge like a little child and told her I wasn't going then broke down into tears. This is when my first every panic attack happened. My parents were just worried about my ear and wanted to get it fixed so they weren't quite understanding of why I didn't want to go. Keep in mind they both and nobody at this stage new about this phobia. The panic attack just got worse and worse and my mum had to put me into a cold shower. I eventually calmed down and mum started talking to me. She gathered I was emetophobic and we spoke about it really briefly. I have always been seen as the really happy-go-lucky kind of girl.. the one people think has no cares. I didn't want to break that exterior as my mum would just worry about me. She said "you don't need to go so a therapist or something..?" I told her I wasn't sure but I really did want to see a therapist. She told me it probably wasn't necessary and that I am a strong girl and that we can overcome this together. Sorry long story short, I told her not to talk about it with me as I just wanted to do it alone. But now, I really need someone! I just don't know how to tell them. I don't want my mother to be worried about me but I do want her to know and help me. The only other option is telling my best friend. I am not good at opening up and displaying my emotions. Can anyone help me with how to tell someone about my fear so I don't feel so alone!?